Kurdi’s Fresh Mediterranean Grill

Have you been to downtown Tampa lately? The restaurant scene is highly varied and currently booming. I became particularly familiar with this area last year, as I spent a year’s worth of Thursdays deep in the heart of Tampa. That, friends, is a story for another time. This tale involves some amazing Middle Eastern cuisine and one of the best sandwiches I have eaten in a very long time, all thanks to the fine folks at Kurdi’s.

Kurdi’s is a bit on the small side (60-ish total seats outside and inside) and boasts an upscale vibe with casual, friendly service. They are also offering live music once a month for you crazy kids who love the adult alternative tunes. I sampled the Zombie Killer and got down to the business of studying the highly innovative menu.

I was stoked to see that Kurdi’s offers some local brews. I enjoyed the Green Bench IPA (it was a little on the warm side!?) with my genius sandwich selection.

First things first: I opted to try the Fattoush. Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, parsley, radish, pita chips, and a pomegranate vinaigrette. You heard me: Pomegranate. Vinaigrette. So fresh, so delicious, so much fun to say.

There are so many good things to choose from on the lunch menu. Luckily, two choices jumped out at my sandwich-loving brain immediately. My sweet husband’s father is of Persian descent, and that fantastic spouse grew up in a house filled with lamb-based dishes. The Leg of Lamb Sandwich was an easy choice for him to make. Herb-roasted leg of lamb topped with tomatoes, onions, mixed greens and tzatziki sauce, then pressed until crispy. This tasty business was served with a side of uniquely seasoned and extremely fresh fries.

You have patiently waited to hear about the star of this Mediterranean show. This is a stunner entitled “Pork Belly BLT.” Duck fat confit pork belly served with arugula, tomatoes, and a heaven-sent tomato aioli on a sandwich roll. This sandwich was beyond good. I always go halfsies with my sweet husband on all sandwiches; on this day at Kurdi’s, I was guilty of a take-back. With the sheer inordinate number of sandwiches that have passed these lips, in all honesty this is one of the best. Truth.

I was in the ever-elusive state of “Sandwich-Bliss.” I couldn’t possibly eat another bite and ruin my state of food Nirvana….or could I?! Of course I could. The Chocolate Mousse Cake was a creamy decadent dream.

I cannot wait to go back and try the dinner menu at Kurdi’s. Or maybe I will just move on in there and marry that Pork Belly BLT. If you are a fan of quality food and superb service, hit them up the next time you are in downtown Tampa. You will be glad you did.

Disclaimer: I was invited to lunch and provided with food in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to Ken and his team for taking care of me!